5. Derek Jeter (1995-Present): In addition to now placing first in hits, Jeter is fifth for the Yankees all-time in batting average, 12th in OBP, 5th in total bases, 4th in doubles and second in stolen bases (only 26 behind Rickey Henderson). The captain is even 7th in walks which is pretty incredible when considering the power hitters that have passed through the Bronx throughout the history of the franchise (many of whom hit behind Jeter).
There have been many other great Yankees one could make a valid argument for inclusion on the list in this 5th spot including Earl Combs, Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey, etc., but Derek Jeter, the all-time Yankee hit king, is truly one of the greatest ball players to ever wear the pinstripes, and the rest of his career should only reinforce that assessment that he is one of the 5 greatest players on the most legendary franchise in sports history.
Jeter surpassing Gehrig on Friday was a great moment for baseball, period. Even non-Yankee fans can appreciate Jeter; a player of integrity that has never shamed himself, his team, or the game that he so obviously loves and reveres.
Sometimes it takes moments (like a three-minute standing ovation acknowledging the historic accomplishment of a player who embodies the unrealistic ideals baseball purists still have for the game) to remind all fans that baseball does possess a rich history far before steroids clouded the game. It is those roots that always have and always will ensure the game’s survival, even in its darkest moments, whether in 1919 or 1998.
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